Greene County Commissioner Rick Perales said Tuesday the liability paperwork has been worked out and the next step is to raise the money to pay for the flight. No county money will be used for transportation, which was estimated to cost less than $1,000. No date is set for relocation.
“Everything legally is ready to go,” Perales said. “We’re waiting to confirm the money.”
Tara’s Babies website said it started as a rescue operation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It has evolved into an organization that saves “dogs on death row in overcrowded shelters, through rescue, adoption and providing life-long care for dogs that cannot be adopted.”
Representatives were not available for comment, but the organization noted on its website that 52 contributors have raised $1,100 for Smokey’s effort.
Smokey, a black-and-tan, 5-year-old dog that bit a 2½- year-old boy Memorial Day weekend, originally was taken to Greene County Animal Control for euthanasia. Dr. Harold Brown, the agency’s director, said Smokey had been “severely beaten,” but has recovered.
Police charged Chasity Elliott and Robert Profitt with misdemeanors, including animal cruelty, abandonment, a loose dog citation and not having a dog license.
Ultimately, Smokey’s owner, Ellen Barney, rescinded the euthanasia order and turned over ownership to the county. The dog has been at animal control ever since.
Profitt changed his plea from not guilty to no contest. Sentencing has not been scheduled. Elliott has a possible jury trial Jan. 5.
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